Portfolio, brief case, and the like



` -Feb. 24, 1942.v c. DoPPEL'r 2,274,533

PORTFOLIO, BREF CASE, AND THE LIKE Filed July 19, 1939 y Patented Feb. 24, 1942 UNITED STATES v1= AT,I =:`1\JT OFFICE 2,274,536 t PORTFOLIO, BRIEF oAsE, AND THE LIKE g Charles Doppelt, Chi-cago, Ill. Application July 19, 1939, serial No. 285,294

1 Claim.

This invention relates to portfolios, brief cases and the like and more particularly to handles and carrying means for such articles.

One of the objects of this invention is the provision of a receptacle adapted for use either as a portfolio or a brief case.

Another object of this invention is the provision of a concealable handle for use with a receptacle which renders the receptacle adaptable for use either as a portfolio or as a brief case.

A further object of this invention is the provision Of improved handles and mounting means `therefor whereby the handles are adapted to be construction and combinations and arrangement of parts as will be more fully hereinafter described and pointed out in the appended claim. In the accompanying drawing wherein like reference characters indicate corresponding parts,

Fig. 1 is a perspective View of the upper portion of a portfolio showing my invention applied 30 thereto.

Fig. 2 is an elevational View of my invention looking in the direction of the arrows 2-2 of Fig. 1 showing, in dotted lines, the position assumed by the handle when in concealed position. 35

Fig. 3 is a plan view of my invention showing the handles in hand engaging position.

Fig. 4 is an enlarged cross sectional view taken on line 4-4 of Fig. 3.

Fig. 5 is an elevational View looking in the4 40 direction of the arrows 5-5 of Fig. 3.

Fig. 6 is a cross sectional View taken on 1in 6--6 of Fig. 5.

Referring in detail to the drawing, wherein is shown a preferred embodiment of my invention, 45

the numeral I0 indicates generally, a receptacle or portfolio which is formed of flexible side Walls I 2.and I4 and end walls I6 and I8. The upper portions 20 and 22, of the wide walls I2 and I4 walls I6 and I8 and define a channel extending longitudinally of the receptacle. Said upper portions are folded over and have suitable stiiTening members placed therebetween. Secured to respectively, extend upwardly above the end 50 (Cl. 15G-1.6)

dinally thereof, are interlocking fastening elements 26 which when in engagement serve as the top closure for the receptacle. Referring to the drawing, it is seen that the closure is positioned substantially below the top edge or top plane of the side walls and that it serves as the base member of the channel above described. I

A pair of substantially exible handle members 28 are mounted one on each upper portion of the side walls I2 and I4 and are arranged to be in contiguous relationship when the receptacle is closed. Each handle member 28 comprisesa resilient reinforcing element 29 provided with a cover 30 preferably of the same material as the receptacle. The edges of said cover are stitched outwardly of the handle member so as to present a smooth surface along the hand engaging portion 21. The handle member 28 is provided at its terminal portions 3| with elongated slots or eyelets 33 which receive supporting elements 32 presently to be described. It is seen that the hand engaging portion 2'I is defined by the length of the reinforcing element 29 and is substantially circular, in cross section, while the terminal portions 3| of the handle member -28 are substantially flattened.

The transversely extending supporting elements 32 which engage the eyelets 33 are provided with enlarged heads 32a and are mounted in the upper portions of the side walls, below the top edge thereof, said members projecting inwardly through the stiffening member and the folded portion of the side wall. It is seen that the head 34 is enclosed and is hidden from View, thereby enhancing the appearance of the receptacle. When the receptacle is carried as a portfolio, because ofthe resiliency of the reinforcing element 2'9 in the handle member 28, the handle member normally tends to assume the substantially straight line position shown by the dotted lines in Fig. 2. In this position the handle member is below the top edge or plane of the top of the side wall and is -concealed when the receptacle is viewed from the side.

When it is desired to carry the receptacle as a brief case, the handle members are engaged by the hand and will assume the arcuate position shown by the solid lines in Fig. 2, With the end portions of the eyelets engaging the supporting members as shown. 'I'he handle members, because of their resilient construction and the freely sliding movement of the elongated eyelets on the supporting elements, will spring the side walls I2 and I 4 and extending longitu- 55 back to concealed position when released. The

handle members are, however, readily engageable by the hand in this position.

It is thus seen that I have provided a receptacle having carrying means which adapt the receptacle for use as a portfolio or a brief case, the carrying means when not in use being retracted in concealed position.

It is to be understood that the form of my invention, herewith shown and described, is to be taken as a preferred example of the same, and that various changes in the shape, size and arrangement of -parts may -be resorted to, Without departing from the spirit of my invention or the scope of the appended claim.

In a portfolio of the character described, sidei walls having upwardly projecting extensions, a web having interlocking fastening elements secured to each of said walls and when interlocked arranged to form a channel with said extensions, a pair of spaced handle supporting elements mounted on each of Said extensions, resilient handle members having elongated slots at the terminal portions in sliding engagement with s aid supporting elements, means in said handle members normally urging said handles to a substantially straight line position between said extensions within said channel and below the plane of the top marginal edges thereof, said handle members being movable to an arcuate hand engaging position above the plane of the top marginal edges of said projecting extensions for carrying said receptacle, said handles when released adapted to automatically assume the straight line position below the top marginal edges.

CHARLES DOPPELT. 

